Senthil Gounder

I am beginning my journey as a farmer in Central Carolina, where I am excited to establish and manage my own farm. My primary focus is on learning and implementing sustainable farming practices suitable for the Piedmont region. Currently in the process of understanding different soil and weather in condition in the Piedmont region and my future dream of growing vegetables, fruits and herbs that benefit human health, aiming to adapt my methods to improve soil health and yield. Although I am new to farming, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in crop rotation, pest control, and irrigation management. My immediate goal is to increase yield by 10% through diligent soil management and efficient irrigation techniques. Long-term, I aspire to transition a significant portion of my farm to organic production and explore the potential of high-value crops such as blueberries and strawberries. I am also focused on building relationships with local farmers, buyers and exploring direct-to-consumer sales channels to ensure a stable income. To address potential challenges like climate variability, I plan to invest in advanced weather monitoring systems and select resilient crop varieties. Embracing mechanization and continuous learning will help me overcome labor shortages and enhance productivity on my farm.